EDS305 Development Theory and Politics

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:John Andrew Mcneish

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Limits of class size:50

Course frequency:Annually (autumn parallel)

Nominal workload:250 hours

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel, .

About this course

Selected theory, critique, and methods associated with (i) classical development perspectives, (ii) rights based development, (iii) sustainable development (iv) decolonisation (v) good governance and (vi) current trends.

Learning outcome

The course gives an introduction to Development Studies as an interdisciplinary and problem oriented study of social, political, economic and environmental dimensions of societal change. The emphasis is on development theory and policy.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:
- Knowledge about the major themes within development theory and policy
- Knowledge about important topics within development theory and policy in practice, and the link between theory and empirical example

Skills:
- Strengthen skills using theories and concepts in critical discussion and analysis of development policy issues.
- Working in interdisciplinary teams
- Searching, managing and sharing information
- Presenting and debating themes in development policy
- Writing as a means of learning
General knowledge:
- Awareness of values and normative approaches in development including considering cultural diversity and human rights.

Learning activities
The course employs a problem-oriented approach to development policy. Learning builds on active participation and interaction between course participants and teachers to enable sharing of diverse experiences and academic insights. Major learning methods are (i) lectures, (ii) searching for, and applying, information, (iii) self-directed work and individual writing, (iv) group work, (v) presentations and discussion in class.
Teaching support
The course coordinator and teachers are responsible for literature, implementation and guidance on group and individual assignments participants will receive oral or written feedback on group presentations and on their individual writing (once). Teachers will give lectures and provide additional guidance within their subject area upon appointment, and will make valuable use of their own research to give the students deeper insights into special topics of interest.
The NMBU Library staff will assist with information search and management. Guest lecturers will address special topics. Students are also encouraged to use the NMBU Writing Centre to help with writing assignments.
Prerequisites
BSc/BA or equivalent.
Recommended prerequisites
The course is interdisciplinary, but basic knowledge of social science is recommended. A certain basic knowledge of development studies and/ or development theory is recommended, but not a prerequisite.
Assessment method
Portfolio Evaluation:
The content in the portfolio is evaluated in its entirety and given a mark.
There is feedback underway- but not in the form of a mark.
The portfolio is made up of: 3 assignments
- Videoblog (20%)
- Participation in a student led seminar (20%)
- Essay (60%)
Complaints can only be made regarding the sum of these, and all written parts can be evaluated again.
Letter grades (A-F) are based on three compulsory assignments. All four assignments are given equal weight in the final course grade. Assignments can vary between written tests, presentations in class, and home assignments. Written and oral responses to assignments must be given in English.

Portfolio Grading: Letter grades
Examiner scheme
An external examiner will assent to the evaluation scheme.
Mandatory activity
Attendance at seminars is compulsory.
Teaching hours
2x 3 hours with lectures/seminars per week.
Preferential right
M-GDS
Admission requirements
Relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent